2026.03.12
DXSmart Lock Complete Guide: Best Picks for Rental & Minpaku Owners [2026]
Smart locks are rapidly being adopted in rental housing and minpaku (vacation rental) properties. By eliminating the need for physical key handovers and enabling remote locking/unlocking, they greatly improve operational efficiency for property managers and minpaku operators.
However, with many products on the market such as SESAME, SwitchBot, and Qrio, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. This article explains how smart locks work, how to select the right one, and which products are recommended.
What Is a Smart Lock?
A smart lock is an electronic lock that can be locked and unlocked via smartphone, PIN code, fingerprint authentication, and more. Compared to traditional physical keys, smart locks offer the following features:
- No physical key handover required
- Auto-lock functionality
- Remote locking/unlocking
- Entry/exit history management
Why Smart Locks Are Gaining Popularity
Eliminate the risk of losing keys
No need to carry a physical key anymore.
Prevent forgetting to lock up
Auto-lock ensures you never leave the door unlocked.
Ideal for minpaku self-check-in
Guests can enter simply by receiving a PIN code.
Remote management
With a Wi-Fi hub, you can lock/unlock from anywhere.
5 Key Points for Choosing a Smart Lock
1. Compatibility with your door
Not all smart locks work with every door. Always check manufacturer compatibility before purchasing.
2. Can it be installed in a rental property?
Most products use double-sided tape for installation — no construction required, and the original condition can be restored.
3. Wi-Fi hub compatibility
Bluetooth-only models only work within close range. For remote operation and notifications, choose a hub-compatible model.
4. Variety of unlocking methods
Convenient unlocking methods include smartphone app, fingerprint, PIN code, NFC card, Apple Watch, and voice control.
5. Battery failure対策
Smart locks are battery-powered. Check for battery level notifications, emergency power supply, and physical key backup.
Key Points for Minpaku Owners
Self-check-in support
Check whether the lock can issue PIN codes.
Per-guest access management
Time-limited passcode generation is important.
Entry/exit history
Knowing who entered and when provides peace of mind.
Remote unlocking
Whether the administrator can unlock remotely in case of trouble is an important factor.
Recommended Smart Lock Comparison
| Feature | SESAME 5 Pro | SESAME 5 | SwitchBot Lock Ultra | SwitchBot Lock Pro | Qrio Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint | ◎ | ○ | ◎ | ◎ | △ |
| PIN Code | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | △ |
| Remote Control | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ○ |
| Price | ◎ | ◎ | △ | ○ | △ |
| Minpaku Ready | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ | ○ | △ |
| Value | ◎ | ◎ | ○ | ○ | △ |
Product Recommendations
SESAME 5 Pro
Best for: Minpaku operators, rental managers, budget-conscious users
Industry-leading value. Fingerprint support, wide range of expansion devices.
SESAME 5
Best for: First-time smart lock users
Affordable entry-level model, easy to adopt.
SwitchBot Lock Ultra
Best for: Smart home enthusiasts
Premium model with high fingerprint accuracy.
SwitchBot Lock Pro
Best for: Balanced performance
Easy to install with a highly polished app.
Qrio Lock
Best for: Sony brand loyalists
High stability with a large domestic user base.
Which One Should Minpaku Operators Choose?
At Kaisei, we use smart locks across multiple minpaku properties. Balancing operational cost and functionality, we recommend SESAME 5 Pro, SESAME 5, and SwitchBot Lock Ultra in that order. For minpaku owners looking to introduce self-check-in, the SESAME series is an especially good fit.
FAQ
Q. Will it stop working during a power outage?
Smart locks do not operate during a power outage because network equipment such as Wi-Fi routers stops, making remote operation and PIN authentication unavailable.
Q. What happens when the battery dies?
Most products have notification and emergency power supply features. At our properties, we keep a physical backup key in a key box on site just in case.
Q. Can it be installed in a rental property?
Most retrofit models can be installed without construction work.
Q. Can it be used for minpaku?
Smart locks are highly compatible with self-check-in and are widely adopted in minpaku properties.
For accommodation launch, operations, or investment — consult Kaisei
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